Pumpkin Lush Dessert Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make with minimal effort

• No-bake, chilled dessert—perfect for warm weather or when you don’t want to turn on the oven

• Layers of spiced pumpkin pudding and a buttery graham cracker crust

• Topped with whipped cream and cinnamon for the ultimate fall flavor

• Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for convenience

• Versatile—add more spices or nuts as desired

• Great for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or any fall celebration

• Light and creamy texture with a satisfying crunch from the crust

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust

• Graham cracker crumbs

• Chopped pecans

• Granulated sugar

• Unsalted butter, melted

For the pumpkin layer

• Pumpkin purée

• Instant vanilla pudding mix

• Instant pumpkin spice pudding mix (or use 2 vanilla and add extra spice)

• Cold milk

• Ground cinnamon

• Ground nutmeg

• Ground ginger

• Vanilla extract

For the topping

• Whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed

• Ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for garnish

• Pecan halves or chopped pecans for garnish (optional)

directions

1. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, and sugar. Add melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the pumpkin layer.

2. Make the pumpkin layer: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, vanilla pudding mix, pumpkin spice pudding mix, and cold milk. Whisk until thickened, about 2–3 minutes. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract, then stir until smooth. Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the chilled crust.

3. Add the whipped topping: Gently spread the whipped topping over the pumpkin layer using a spatula. Garnish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, and add pecan halves or chopped pecans if desired.

4. Chill and serve: Cover the dessert and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the layers to set. When ready to serve, cut into squares and enjoy cold.

Servings and timing

Servings: 9
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Extra spice: Add 1–2 teaspoons of ground ginger or cloves to the pumpkin layer for a deeper spiced flavor.

• No pecans: Omit the pecans for a nut-free version or swap for crushed graham crackers.

• Use different pudding mixes: If pumpkin spice pudding is unavailable, use a second box of vanilla pudding and increase the spices to 1 ½ teaspoons in total.

• Boozy version: Add a tablespoon of rum or bourbon to the pumpkin layer for an adult twist.

• Dairy-free: Use dairy-free whipped topping and non-dairy milk to make this a dairy-free dessert.

• Crust variation: Swap graham crackers for vanilla wafers or ginger snap cookies for a unique flavor.

• Marshmallow topping: Swap the whipped topping for mini marshmallows for a different texture.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is best served cold and does not freeze well due to the whipped topping.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?

Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin purée, but make sure it’s smooth and not too watery to maintain the creamy texture.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes! This dessert needs to chill for at least 4 hours, but it can easily be made the day before serving.

Can I use a different type of nut for the crust?

Yes, you can use chopped walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a slightly different flavor.

How do I make sure the crust stays firm?

Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish to help it hold together, and let it chill while preparing the filling to set the crust.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and make it in a 9×13-inch dish. Just be sure to adjust the chilling time to ensure the dessert sets properly.

What if I don’t have pumpkin spice pudding mix?

If pumpkin spice pudding mix is unavailable, use two boxes of vanilla pudding mix and increase the spices to 1 ½ teaspoons total for the pumpkin layer.

Can I skip the whipped topping?

The whipped topping is a key component of this dessert’s light and creamy texture, but if you prefer, you can top it with whipped cream or even marshmallow fluff.

How do I make this spicier?

Add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground cloves to the pumpkin layer to increase the warmth and spice levels to your liking.

Can I make this without nuts?

Yes, if you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans from the crust and topping.

Can I freeze this dessert?

This dessert is best served chilled and fresh. The whipped topping may not freeze well, so it’s not recommended to freeze the finished product.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Lush Dessert is an easy, no-bake fall favorite that combines creamy, spiced pumpkin with a buttery graham cracker crust and fluffy whipped topping. This dessert is perfect for any autumn gathering, and its light texture and rich flavor make it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you serve it for Thanksgiving, a potluck, or as a special treat, it’s sure to impress!